Exercise weight equipment and methods of use

ABSTRACT

This invention has to do with exercise weight equipment and is concerned with exercise weight equipment that may be fastened to a person&#39;s body during physical exercises. The exercise equipment comprises a preferably U-shaped bracket having opposing sides and a crossbar or rod that extends between and engages the opposing sides of the U-shaped bracket. The crossbar is spaced away from the U-shaped portion of the bracket so that the instep of a person&#39;s foot may be engaged between the bar and the opposing U-Shaped portion of the bracket. Strap means connect from one or both of the opposing sides of the U-shaped bracket and extend so as to be able to go around the ankle of a person using the equipment. Means for fastening the strap mean extensions are provided and may take the form of a buckle and belt means. The outer ends of the crossbar or rod have means thereon for engaging and holding captive weights that may be interchanged at will by the person exercising. Various methods of exercise using the above equipment are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To properly take care of ones physical condition, diet and exercise are recommended on a systematic basis. Exercise may take the form of running, walking, or repeat body exercises such as pull-ups, push-ups, knee-bends, jumping jacks, etc, where only the body itself is utilized working against gravity to perform the exercises. In such exercises a large number of repetitions may be necessary in order to challenge, strengthen and tone the muscles involved in the exercise. Each exercise that a person performs may only involve a small group of muscles. Many difference exercises may be necessary to work the majority of muscles in a person's body. A large number of repetitions for each set of muscles can be quite time consuming on a daily basis. To cut down on the number of repetitions, and therefore the time required and to challenge the muscle groups involved in each exercise, weight training equipment is used in conjunction with the exercises. Such weight training equipment may take the form ranging from very complicated assembled apparatus to individual weights that are hand held during the exercises. Some of the exercises in weight training and fitness require the person to hold a weight between their feet while they exercise their leg portions or do other exercises with the additional weight held between their feet. Holding the additional weight between one's feet usually disturbs the concentration necessary to perform the exercise properly and such distraction takes away from the full effect of the exercise. In these situations the weight used in the exercise may pose a danger, not only to the person doing the exercise, but to other people in the immediate surrounding area. Several arrangements to hold such weights have been proposed. One of the prior methods of holding the weight is to have a short dumbbell type weight usually a rod with two opposing facing enlarged ends that may be held between by the feet. The dumbbells is usually positioned with the enlarged upper part of the dumbbell hitting the top instep of the foot and the bottom part of the dumbbell extending below the soles of the feet so that holding the feet together prevents the weight from falling from the persons body during the exercise.

In addition, many exercises such as pull-ups, sit-ups, body press, bench lifts, and other exercises can be enhanced if an additional weight is held or added to the body. Where exercises depend upon body weight alone to provide the load against which one works in doing an exercise the body weight may be enhanced by attaching or holding a weight between the feet or holding a bar behind the knees. Where such exercises depend upon the ability of the person doing the exercise to hold the weight it detracts from the person's ability to concentrate on doing the exercise.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein has to do with exercise weight equipment. The equipment comprises an elongate rod having opposing ends that are preferably threaded. The rod is inserted through perforations in oppositely facing sides of a U-shaped bracket with the opposing ends extending outwardly from the sides of the bracket. Preferably the central part of the rod is surrounded by a resilient material on the portion that extends between the opposite facing ends of the U-shaped bracket. The U-shaped bracket has opposite facing sides and a crosspiece joining said sides and preferably a abutment pad on the bottom of the crosspiece. Strap means are provided attaching to one of the crossbar or bracket and having co-operative elements of engagement that releasably engage with one another to hold the weight on the foot or other appendage of the person doing the exercise. The rod and the bracket are spaced so as to fit around the instep of a person's foot and the strap means are positioned so as to hold the weight on the foot when the attachment ends are connected.

The invention further includes various methods of exercising, on exercise comprises first positioning oneself in a vertically upright stand that has horizontal arm rests and hand grips upstanding from said arm rests. The individual weights are then strapped on each foot and the person pulls himself upwardly so that his feet are not touching the ground. The person then abuts his back against the back of the vertical stand and bends his knees slightly and lifts his thighs towards his chest and then returns the knees and thighs to their original position. This motion is then repeated as often as desired. Upon completion of the exercise the person then lowers himself so that his feet may touch the ground and the weights are unstrapped and removed from the each individual foot.

The invention further contemplates the method of exercising that comprises the steps of sitting on a bench with the person's feet on the floor and strapping individual weights on each foot. One then grasps the bench itself or bench supports for stability while doing the exercise. The person then leans back until his spine is at about 45 degrees to the plane of the seat bench. While in this position the knees are pulled toward the chest while bringing the spine to an upright position on the bench. This position is then held for a short period of time and then the upper body and the knees are returned to their original starting position. This motion is repeated until the exercise is completed and the individual weights are removed from each foot.

The invention further includes the method of exercising that comprises first attaching individual weight assemblies to each individual foot. While standing straight the person then grasps an overhead chinning bar and then bends his knees until the body is supported only by the bar and the feet are touching each other at the ankles. The person then pulls himself until his chin is above the chinning bar then slowly lowers his body to its original starting position. After repeating the above motion as desired the person then places his feet on the floor and releases his grasp from the bar. The individual weights are then removed from each foot.

The invention further comprises the method of exercising that includes strapping individual weights on each individual foot while lying on a bench with the hips flat. The person then grabs the bench behind his head for support and bends his hips and knees at approximately 90 degrees. In this position the person then pulls his hips and knees upward and inward. This position is then held for a period of time and then the knees and hips are returned to the original starting position. This motion is then repeated as desired until the exercise is finished and then the individual weights are removed from the feet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of the exercise weight assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the exercise weight assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the exercise weight assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the exercise weight assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of 5-5 through FIG. 3 of the exercise weight assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view 66 through FIG. 2 of the exercise weight assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view 77 through FIG. 3 of the exercise weight assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cut away view of the padding of the exercise weight assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an additional method of the exercise weight assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an additional method of the exercise weight assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an additional method of the exercise weight assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an additional method of the exercise weight assembly according to the present invention.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a safe and efficient weight assembly for use is daily exercise routines.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a weight that can be safely attached to one's body during daily exercises.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a hand held weight assembly with a releasable strap that can be quickly and efficiently strapped on and removed during daily exercises.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a means of attachment for a weight so that a person may concentrate on the performance of the weight exercises rather than on the holding of the weight itself.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a safe, comfortable and efficient weight assembly for use during daily exercises.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new method of weight training where one can concentrate more on the weight training exercise that on the holding of the weight during the exercise.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide weights that can be releasably strapped to a person's foot for repetitive exercises.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide interchangeable weight assemblies that can be strapped on a person's appendages for repetitive weight exercises.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

What is shown in FIG. 1 is a weight equipment 10 according to the present invention. The weight equipment 10 has a rod 12 that has opposing ends 14 and 16. The opposing ends 14 and 16 preferably have threads 15 formed thereon. The rod 12 joins with the U shaped bracket 20 and the U shaped bracket 20 has two opposing sides 22 and 24 that face each other and are joined by a cross piece 26 so that the sides 22 and 24 and cross piece 26 are shown as U shaped when viewed in a side view. The U shaped bracket 20 has the rod 12 extending between and through the opposing sides 22 and 24 with resilient material 30 is shown surrounding the rod member 12 as it extends between the opposing sides 22 and 24. Outwardly on the ends 14 and 16 are the threads 15 of the rod member 12 and there is a abutment element 40 that has centrally located cooperating elements of threaded engagement with threads 15 on ends 14 and 16 so that it may securely hold a weight 50 to the U shaped bracket. Weights 50 are shown on each side of the rod member 12 attached to each end 14 and 16. The end 14 again has threads 15 thereon and they cooperatively engage threaded connectors 40 so that the weight 50 (phantom lines) may be held securely on the U shaped bracket. The U shaped bracket also has strap means 60 that connect, to and extend from, the sides 22 and 24 of the U shaped bracket. Shown at 62 and 64 are the swivel connectors that connect the strap means to the opposing sides 22 and 24 of the U shaped bracket. The rod 12, U shaped bracket 20 and straps 60 are spaced and arranged so that the instep of a foot may be placed between the rod 12 and the cross piece 26 of the U shaped bracket 20. The straps 60 may then fasten around behind the heel of a person's foot. The straps 60 have buckle or fastener means 61 and 63 with 61 having cooperative elements of swivel fastening means 62, so as to hold the equipment weight assembly on the foot of the person doing the exercise.

What is shown in FIG. 2 is again the weight assembly 10 according to the present invention having the opposing ends 14 and 16 of the rod 12 shown thereon. The threaded fasteners 40 are shown connected on the ends 14 and 16 of the rod member 12. Weights 50 are shown mounted on the bar in adjacent contact with outwardly facing abutment surfaces 55 formed by enlarge diameter portions on the rod 12. The threaded connectors 40 hold the weights securely against the abutment surfaces 55 when the exercise weight equipment 10 is in use. The resilient material 30 is shown surrounding the rod member 12 intermediate of the enlarged diameter abutment surfaces 55 and positioned so as to engage the instep of a person's foot when weight assembly 12 is on a person's foot.

What is shown in FIG. 3 is a weight equipment assembly 10 again showing the weights 50 attached to both sides of the weight assembly 10. The abutment elements 40 with cooperating elements of threaded attachment are shown on each side of the cross bar 12 threadedly connecting to the opposing ends 14 and 16. The abutment connectors 40 have a knurled other surface 41 for hand gripping so as rotate the abutment element 40 on the ends 14 and 16 of the cross piece 12. The abutment connectors 40 have an inner abutment surface 73 that abuts the sides 75 of the weights 50. The weights 50 are firmly held between the outwardly facing abutment surfaces shown at 77 on enlarged diameter 55 on the cross piece 12 and the abutment surfaces 73 of the threaded elements 40. The strap means 60 is shown extending away from the cross piece 26 and having the swivel connections shown at 80 so that the strap means 60 may swivel in a 360 degree rotation around the U shaped bracket 20. The cross bar 12 and the cross piece 26 and the strap means 60 are all spaced so that a person may place the instep of their foot in the confined area between surfaces 100 on the cross bar 12, 102 on the cross piece 26 and 104 on the opposing side faces of the U shaped bar.

What is shown in FIG. 4 is a side view of the Exercise Weight Assembly Ten according to the present invention. Weights 50 are shown on the outermost end of the rod member 12 on which is mounted the threaded abutment element 40. There are cooperating elements of threaded engagement between threaded element 40 and the rod 12. The rod 12 has threads 15, although threaded element 40 has threads 115. The threaded element 40 may be releasably engaged with the rod 12 by the cooperating elements of threaded connection between 15 and 115. Opposing bracket side 22 is shown along with the swivel element 62.

What is shown in FIG. 5 is the rod assembly 12 having the threaded end means 15 with the weights 50 attached on each opposing end. The threaded elements 40 are shown having inner abutment surfaces at 73, and the resilient means 30 is shown extending over the central part of the rod 12.

What is shown in FIG. 6 is the sectional view 6-6 through FIG. 2 of the Exercise Weight Assembly Ten according to the present invention. The rod 12 is shown having the threaded ends at 15 with the threaded connectors 40 attached to each end of the rod 12. Weights 50 are shown on each end of the rod in their oppositely facing positions with the u-shaped bracket 20 shown having opposing sides 22 and 24. A pad means 121 is placed on the downward facing side of the unshaped bracket 20. The enlarged diameter portions 55 are shown with their outwardly facing abutment for surfaces 77 that are designed to engage the sides of the weights 50 and hold the weights 50 securely between the inwardly facing abutment surfaces on threaded connectors 40 and the outwardly facing abutment surface 77 on the enlarged diameter portions of 55. The straps 61 are shown extending away from the bracket 20 with the swivel connections 62 shown connecting the strap means 61 to the bracket 20 of the present invention.

What is shown in FIG. 7 is the sectional view 7-7 through FIG. 3 of the Exercise Weight Assembly 10 according to the present invention. The weight 50 is shown on the one end with the threaded connector 40. The rod 12 has threads 15 which cooperate with the threaded connector 40 to hold the weight 50 on the weight assembly. Swivel means 62 is shown on the one opposing side 24 and the lower pad 121 is shown on the bottom part of the cross piece 26 so that 121 absorbs any impact that the weight may have with the floor.

What is shown in FIG. 8 is a cut away view of the padding of the Exercise Weight Assembly 10 according to the present invention. The resilient padding 230 preferably has a longitudinal split as is shown at 210, the longitudinal split allowing the resilient material 230 to have a central hollow diameter 212 that will snugly fit around the diameter of the rod 12. With the slit 210 the resilient member 230 may be slipped on and off of the rod 12 as is desired. A releasable outer material 214 on the resilient member 230 provides a captive holding force to hold the outer material 214 on the bar 12. Longitudinal Velcro fasteners, shown at 215 and 216 releasably hold the outer material 214 on resilient member 230.

What is shown in FIG. 9 is a person 300 standing with the feet shoulder width apart 310, grasping the dumbbells one in each hand with the palms forward and arms extended straight down; elbows slightly bent. The person is gripping the dumbbells firmly and without body swaying, curling their arms with the dumbbells 10 upwardly until they come close to the shoulders, exhaling as the person curls. The person then returns their arms slowly and smoothly to the starting position while inhaling.

What is shown in FIG. 10 is a person 300 who has obtained a power tower station 320. The person at 300 may then while standing place their forearms on the arm supports 322 and grip the hand grips 350 while their forearms are on the arm support 322 and while gripping the hand supports 350, they may then raise their body off the ground after they have strapped the weights 310 on each of their feet. While the person has the weights strapped to his feet, he may bend his knees slightly and lift their thighs toward their chest. They may then, after lifting their thighs toward their chest, they may then relax and let their thighs go again towards the floor; by repeating this action, one is able to strength and tone certain muscles in the body.

What is in FIG. 11 is a person 300 sitting backwards on a bench press, bench with weights 310 strapped around athletic shoes 315. Hands grasped around vertical weight supports 340. The person then leans back at about a 45 degree angle with weights 310 about 12 inches off floor, while in this position the knees are pulled towards the chest simultaneously as the upper body is brought back to the vertical position forming a rowing crunch and exhaling though the entire motion. This position is held briefly. Then by the person 300 grasping around the vertical weight supports 340, one can slowly return to the starting position inhaling the total motion. After repeating the above motions, for desired repetitions, the person 300 lowers the weights 310 back to the floor and is sitting in an upright position.

What is shown in FIG. 12 is a person 300 with weights 310 strapped around athletic shoes 315 while standing straight. Said person 300 then grasps an over or under handgrip on the pull-up bar 380 with hands about shoulder width apart. Then person 300 bends their knees so that feet are not touch the floor, and all weight is supported by grip on pull-up bar 380. Then the person 300 pulls him or her self up until their chin crosses the horizontal plane of the pull-up bar 380, exhaling the total motion, after a brief pause, the person 300 slowly lowers their body down to the original starting position inhaling the total motion. After repeating the above motions for desired repetitions, the person 300 places feet back on floor and releases grip from bar 380.

What is shown in FIG. 13 is a person 300 lying with back and hips flat against a bench 305 with elbows pointed toward the sky and knees bent at a round a 90 degree angle with weights 310 just off bench 305. In this position, the person 300 pulls their knees and hips upward and inward and rolls their torso until their knees just about touch their chest, exhaling the entire motion after a brief pause. The person 300 then slowly lowers their torso back to the starting position inhaling the entire motion. After repeating repetitions the person 300 then places feet on floor and sits in an upright position. 

1. An exercise weight assembly which comprises: a. An elongate rod with opposing ends; b. A bracket having opposite facing sides and a crosspiece joining said opposite facing sides; c. Means for engaging said rod with said bracket so that said rod extends between the opposing sides with each of its opposing ends extend outwardly from each of said opposite facing sides so as to provide weight engagement means for weights to be attached to said rod; d. Fastening strap means attached between each side face of said bracket and having attachment ends that co-operatively and releasably engage with one another; e. said rod and said bracket spaced so as to fit around the instep of a person's foot and said strap positioned so as to hold said weight on the foot when said attachment ends are connected.
 2. The exercise weight assembly according to claim 1, which further comprises an elongate resilient material surrounding said rod as it extends between said opposing face sides.
 3. The exercise weight assembly according to claim 1 which further comprises a resilient abutment pad attached to one of the surfaces of said crosspiece.
 4. The exercise weight assembly according to claim 1 which further comprises a swivel connectors on each side face of said u-shaped bracket connecting to said strap means.
 5. The weight assembly according to claim 1 which further comprises threads on each of said rod ends for releasable co-operative connection with threaded connectors for holding said weights captive while a person performs exercises with said weight assemblies.
 6. An exercise weight assembly which comprises: a. An elongate rod with opposing ends; b. A unshaped bracket having opposite facing sides and a crosspiece joining said sides; c. said elongate rod extending between and joining said opposite facing sides, with said opposing ends of said rod extending outwardly from each of said opposite facing sides so as to provide weight engagement means on each opposing end of said rod; d. strap means co-operatively connected to one of said bracket or said rod and having attachment ends that co-operatively and releasably engage with one another. e. said rod and said bracket spaced so as to fit around the instep of a person's foot and said strap positioned so as to hold said weight on the foot when said attachment ends are connected.
 7. The method of exercising that comprises the steps of: a. positioning oneself in a vertically moveable chair that has a seat and back abutment surfaces; b. trapping individual weight assemblies on each foot; c. moving the chair vertically so that one's feet do not touch the ground; d. with the back abutting the back abutment surface bend the knees slightly and lift the thighs toward the chest; e. repeat said motion more that once; f. lower said seat until your feet touch the floor; g. remove said weights from said feet.
 8. The method of exercising that comprises the steps of: a. sitting on a bench with your feet on the floor; b. strapping individual weights on each foot; c. grasping the bench or bench supports for stability; d. leaning back until your spine is at about 45 degrees to the bench; e. pulling your knees toward your chest while bringing your spine to an upright position on the bench; f. holding the previous position and then returning the upper body and your knees to their original position; g. repeating said motion; h. and removing the individual weights from the feet when finished.
 9. The method of exercising that comprises the steps of: a. attaching individual weight assemblies to each individual foot; b. while standing straight grab an overhead chinning bar; c. bend your knees until your body is supported only by the bar and your feet are touching each other at the ankles; d. pull yourself up until your chin is above the bar then slowly lower your body to its original starting position; e. repeat this motion as desired; f. place your feet on the floor and release your grip from the bar; g. remove the individual weights from each individual foot.
 10. The method of exercising that comprises the steps of: a. strapping individual weights on each individual foot; b. lying on a bench with your hips flat and grabbing the bench behind your head for support; c. bending your hips and knees at approximately 90 degrees; d. pulling your hips and knees upward and inward; e. pausing and then returning your hips and knees to their original position; f. repeating this motion as desired; g. removing the weights from each individual foot when finished with said exercise. 